The transmission and impact of animal disease is a critically important issue in contemporary society. Amongst domestic livestock, disease and poor animal health can profoundly affect local, regional and global economies. In wild animals, disease can not only significantly affect population numbers, but can alter ecosystems and threaten biodiversity. Transmissible animal diseases (zoonoses) account for high levels of sickness and mortality rates in both human and animal populations in many parts of the world, while recent history has demonstrated the profound psychosocial impact caused by the fear of zoonotic disease, let alone the reality of living alongside it.

The impact of animal disease in pre-industrialised societies, where human-animal relationships were much more closely entwined, must have been equally, if not more, profound. Yet, despite calls for the development of animal palaeopathological studies since the early 20th century there are still many aspects of the discipline that are poorly understood. The aim of this inter-disciplinary conference is to bring together researchers from around the world to explore and discuss the archaeological, historical and clinical evidence for animal disease in the past. We would especially like to encourage participants to discuss the nature and impact of infectious diseases in the past, as well as the application and development of new methodologies, although contributions tackling other topics will also be welcomed.

If you are interested in presenting a paper or a poster, please send a title and a maximum 250-word abstract to Richard Thomas (rmt12@le.ac.uk) or Theo Antikas (antikwyn@otenet.gr) by Friday 31st July. PLease note that we are currently attempting to secure funding to assist contributors with travel expenses.

URL : http://www.apwg.supanet.com/news.htm.